The 2026 Ohio State vs. Michigan game, known as The Game, is set for a 12:00 p.m. Eastern kickoff on Saturday, November 28, airing on FOX as part of the Big Noon Kickoff.

The rivalry has been highly competitive of late, with Michigan winning four straight from 2021–2024 and Ohio State snapping the streak in 2025.

FOX has carried OSU–Michigan nine straight times since 2017, aside from the 2020 game canceled due to the pandemic.

Context notes the Big Ten’s recent national championship influence, CFP involvement, and the conference’s historical dynamics with Michigan and Ohio State shaping postseason expectations.

The piece emphasizes the anticipation and intensity surrounding The Game, maintaining its signature rivalry regardless of the season’s specifics.

Coverage continues to follow the Buckeyes through the off-season, with spring practice underway and renewed focus on Ohio State football news.

Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt will be in the booth, with Jenny Taft reporting from the sidelines for the broadcast.

FOX’s slate of games, including The Game, is viewed as influential for the 2026 national championship race and overall conference strength and Heisman contention.

Ohio State is expected to remain a playoff contender, while Michigan is anticipated to be stronger with quarterback Bryce Underwood and a new head coach Kyle Whittingham, though outcomes remain uncertain.

A bold prediction considers Oklahoma at Michigan as potentially shaping early-season perceptions of the Big Ten–SEC balance and CFP considerations, given Oklahoma’s playoff history and Michigan’s evolving era under a new coach.

Another bold prediction suggests Michigan at Ohio State could feature a Heisman finalist, with both programs boasting top talent despite new offensive coordinators, potentially impacting the national title race.

Historically, The Game has drawn national attention and CFP implications, reinforcing its status as a premier matchup.